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United States Patent |
6,015,215
|
Herman
|
January 18, 2000
|
Non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus
Abstract
A non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus to generally provide a driver of a vehicle with a full view of
the vehicle's blind spot. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to a non-mirror
reflective, support member of a factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
The support member being positioned between a reflective mirror surface of
the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and an exterior surface of a
vehicle. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and
mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to the support member in the
absence of engagement to or contact with, the reflective mirror surface of
the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, and in the absence of
obstructing the driver's view of any portion of the reflective mirror
surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, while generally
providing the driver with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot.
Inventors:
|
Herman; Michael J. (6814 Still Meadow, Houston, TX 77389)
|
Appl. No.:
|
810628 |
Filed:
|
February 28, 1997 |
Current U.S. Class: |
359/864; 248/467; 359/841 |
Intern'l Class: |
G02B 005/10 |
Field of Search: |
359/850,864,866,871,883,841
248/467
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3104274 | Sep., 1963 | King | 359/864.
|
3131250 | Apr., 1964 | Ely | 359/850.
|
4139269 | Feb., 1979 | Backenkohler | 359/850.
|
4182552 | Jan., 1980 | Feinbloom | 359/837.
|
4200359 | Apr., 1980 | Lawson | 359/850.
|
4223983 | Sep., 1980 | Bloom | 359/864.
|
4311363 | Jan., 1982 | Marsalka et al. | 359/864.
|
4439013 | Mar., 1984 | Hagn et al. | 359/507.
|
4678294 | Jul., 1987 | Van Nostrand | 359/864.
|
4834521 | May., 1989 | Dubs | 359/850.
|
4863254 | Sep., 1989 | Dyer | 359/850.
|
4890908 | Jan., 1990 | Casey | 359/865.
|
4932770 | Jun., 1990 | Caravaty | 359/866.
|
5044739 | Sep., 1991 | do Espirito Santo | 359/864.
|
5107375 | Apr., 1992 | Fisher | 359/850.
|
5432640 | Jul., 1995 | Gilbert et al. | 359/841.
|
5432643 | Jul., 1995 | Huang | 359/864.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
1285410 | Jul., 1991 | CA.
| |
0396930 | Nov., 1990 | EP | 359/850.
|
562110 | May., 1975 | CH.
| |
2252946 | Aug., 1992 | GB | 359/850.
|
Primary Examiner: Spyrou; Cassandra
Assistant Examiner: Robinson; Mark A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: O'Brian; David M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus to generally provide the driver of a vehicle with a full view of
the vehicle's blind spot, while generally avoiding any obstruction of and
contact to a reflective mirror surface of a collapsible factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly, comprising:
a non-circular, convex mirror body;
a mounting bracket having a planar back portion and an open front portion
to receive said non-circular, convex mirror body; and
a mounting apparatus affixed to the back of said mounting bracket to affix
said mounting bracket to a support member of the collapsible,
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, wherein said convex mirror body
is positioned on the support member wholly laterally inboard of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, and said non-circular, convex
mirror body and mounting bracket are mounted on the support member between
a reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly and an exterior surface of the vehicle, to provide cooperation
between said convex mirror body and a fixed mounting bracket of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly such that when said
factory-mounted side view mirror is in a collapsed engagement to the fixed
mounting bracket of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, there
is no contact between said convex mirror body and the fixed mounting
bracket of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
2. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is
comprised of a polymer material.
3. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein said mounting apparatus
comprises a sheet-like, flexible material having a first side and a second
side, the first side having a first coating of adhesive thereon and the
second side having a second coating of adhesive material thereon, wherein
the first coating of adhesive affixes the first side to a back portion of
said mounting bracket.
4. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 3, wherein the second side and second
coating of adhesive is releasably affixed to a removable adhesive
covering.
5. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 4, wherein the removal of the adhesive
covering of the second side and second coating of adhesive and contact of
said second side and second coating of adhesive with the non-mirror
reflective support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, generally provides the driver of the vehicle with full view of
the vehicle's blind spot, in the absence of obstruction to any portion of
the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly.
6. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein said non-circular convex mirror
body, said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus attach to the
support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, in the
absence of exposing any portion of said non-circular convex mirror body,
said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus laterally outboard of
the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and in the absence of
obstructing any portion of the reflective mirror surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
7. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein said non-circular, convex mirror
body, said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus attach to the
support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, in the
absence of exposing any portion of said non-circular, convex mirror body,
said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus to oncoming wind, to
which the front surface of the vehicle may otherwise be exposed.
8. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein said non-circular, convex mirror
body, said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus attach to the
support member of the factorymounted side view mirror assembly, in the
absence of exposing any portion of said non-circular, convex mirror body,
said mounting bracket and said mounting apparatus to oncoming road debris,
to which the front surface of the vehicle may otherwise be exposed.
9. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus, as defined in claim 1, wherein an x axis of said non-circular,
convex mirror body is generally greater than a y axis of said
non-circular, convex mirror body.
10. A non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and
non-obstructive mounting apparatus to generally provide the driver of a
vehicle with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot, comprising:
a non-circular, convex mirror body, having generally a longer x axis as
compared to a y axis;
a non-circular, mounting bracket being similarly shaped as said convex
mirror body and having a planar back portion and open front portion, the
planar back portion being designed for compact engagement with a support
member of a factorymounted side view mirror assembly; and
a mounting apparatus comprising a pressure sensitive, double-sided,
adhesive strip affixed to the back of said mounting bracket to engage said
mounting bracket and said convex mirror body to the support member of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly such that when the
factory-mounted side view mirror is in a collapsed engagement there is
cooperation to avoid contact with or damage to the non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and a fixed mounting bracket of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, wherein said convex mirror body
and said mounting bracket are mounted wholly laterally inboard to the
support member and positioned between a reflective mirror surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and an exterior surface of the
vehicle, such that the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly generally avoids contact with or obstruction of the reflective
mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly at all
times, to provide the driver of the vehicle with a full and non-obstructed
view of the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view
mirror and a full view of the vehicle's blind spot through said
non-circular, convex mirror body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an automotive auxiliary rear
view mirror assembly. Specifically, the present invention relates to a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and non-obstructive
mounting apparatus for use with vehicles. The non-obstructive, auxiliary
rear view mirror assembly and non-obstructive mounting apparatus is
preferably mounted on a non-mirror reflective support member located
between a reflective mirror surface of a factory-mounted side view mirror
and an exterior surface of a vehicle, in the absence of attachment to or
contact with, the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly, and in the absence of obstructing the driver's view
of any portion of the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly, while generally providing the driver of the
vehicle with a full view of the area adjacent to the vehicle, commonly
known as the "blind spot."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most vehicles include at least one factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly. Generally, factory-mounted side view mirrors are planar in
construction and provide the driver of the vehicle with a minimal field of
vision of the area immediately adjacent to the middle, side portion of the
vehicle and the continuation of that view, somewhat past the vehicle. In
particular, it is known that roughly the axial boundary beginning at about
six feet away from both side exterior surfaces of the vehicle and
continuing in a direction away from the vehicle, and roughly the lateral
boundary beginning at a point at or slightly behind the driver and
continuing well behind the vehicle's back bumper, is difficult, if not
impossible, for the driver to see using only a standard factory-mounted
side view mirror. This area is commonly referred to as the vehicle's
"blind spot." Additional areas of the blind spot may also include the road
surface adjacent to the vehicle and the extreme upper and lower portions
of the side of the vehicle and the area above the vehicle. There is a
continuing concern to drivers of all types of vehicles, pertaining to the
obstructed and/or inadequate view of the vehicle's blind spot. Having
sufficient view of the blind spot is especially critical when a driver of
a vehicle is attempting to make a lane change, or is passing a vehicle in
an adjacent or oncoming lane of traffic, and when backing the vehicle.
Although attempts have been made to overcome this problem, thus far, the
devices submitted do not provide a full view of the vehicle's blind spot
in the absence of creating other hazards for the driver. Auxiliary rear
view mirror devices which adhere to and obstruct the reflective mirror
surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly are generally
known, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,274, to King and U.S. Pat. No.
4,890,908, to Casey. These auxiliary mirror devices and/or their mounting
brackets, require attachment to, interference with and obstruction of, the
reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, thereby compromising the driver's field of vision through the
factory-mounted side view mirror, while generally failing to provide a
full view of the vehicle's blind spot. The mounting of these auxiliary
mirror devices and/or their mounting brackets on the reflective mirror
surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly may also create
confusion and/or mislead the driver of the vehicle, with regard to
distance and/or the current traffic situation, due to the overlapped
mounting and alignment of these devices on the reflective surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly. Moreover, the mounting of these
auxiliary mirror devices and/or their mounting brackets on the reflective
mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, may
expose the auxiliary mirror, or some portion of it, to oncoming excessive
wind forces, airborne road debris and unintentional contact with various
objects, to which the front of the vehicle may otherwise be exposed,
resulting in damage to the auxiliary mirror device and/or the
unintentional separation of the auxiliary mirror device from the
reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror.
Additionally, the mounting of these auxiliary mirror devices on the
reflective mirror surface of collapsible and/or folding-type
factory-mounted side view mirrors, which are common today, may cause
damaging contact to the factory-mounted side view mirror, the auxiliary
mirror device and/or to the exterior surface of the vehicle, when the
factory-mounted side view mirror is folded or becomes collapsed. Further,
damage to the auxiliary mirror device or separation of the auxiliary
mirror device from the vehicle, may be the proximate cause of physical
injury to the driver of the vehicle, thereby adversely affecting the
control and/or operation of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need in the
industry for an auxiliary rear view mirror that avoids the problems of the
known auxiliary rear and side view mirrors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve the foregoing features and advantages and in accordance with the
purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a
preferred embodiment non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly
and mounting apparatus, and more particularly, a non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and non-obstructive mounting
apparatus, which generally provides the driver of a vehicle with a full
view of the vehicle's blind spot and generally overcomes the
above-identified concerns is presented.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a non-circular, convex
mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex mirror body and a
non-obstructive mounting apparatus which generally provide a full view of
the vehicle's blind spot.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a
non-circular, convex mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex
mirror body and a non-obstructive mounting apparatus which generally
provide a full view of the vehicle's blind spot, wherein the
non-obstructive convex mirror body and mounting bracket are preferably
mounted on a support member located between the reflective mirror surface
of the factory-mounted side view mirror and the exterior side of the
vehicle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a
non-circular, convex mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex
mirror body and a non-obstructive mounting apparatus which generally
provide a full view of the vehicle's blind spot, wherein the auxiliary
convex mirror body, mounting bracket and mounting apparatus is preferably
mounted on a support member located between the reflective mirror surface
of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and the exterior side of
the vehicle, in the absence of obstruction or interference of any kind,
with the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a convex
mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex mirror body and
non-obstructive mounting apparatus which generally provide a full view of
the vehicle's blind spot, wherein the auxiliary convex mirror body,
mounting bracket and mounting apparatus are preferably mounted to a
support member which may, for example, be a non-mirror reflective housing
or support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, the
support member being located between the reflective mirror surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror and the exterior side of the vehicle, in
the absence of obstruction or interference of any kind, with the
reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a
non-circular, convex mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex
mirror body and a mounting apparatus which generally provide a full view
of the vehicle's blind spot, wherein the non-circular, convex mirror body,
mounting bracket and mounting apparatus are preferably mounted on a
support member located between the reflective surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and the exterior side of the
vehicle, in the absence of adversely impacting or decreasing the driver's
field of vision through the reflective mirror surface of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a non-circular, convex
mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex mirror body and a
mounting apparatus, which generally provide a full view of the vehicle's
blind spot, in the absence of contact with or obstruction of the
reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, wherein the mounting apparatus generally includes a pressure
sensitive, double-sided, adhesive strip where a first side of the strip is
adhesively affixed to a back portion of the mounting bracket, and a second
side of the strip is adaptable for adhesive engagement with a non-mirror
reflective support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a
non-circular, convex mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex
mirror body and a mounting apparatus, which generally provide a full view
of the vehicle's blind spot, in the absence of contact with or obstruction
of the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, wherein the mounting of the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly
includes a first alternate embodiment mounting apparatus and at least two
tie straps in operative engagement with at least two tie strap securing
eyelets provided by the mounting bracket, wherein the first embodiment
mounting apparatus is mechanically attached to the back portion of the
mounting bracket, such that engagement of the at least two straps with the
at least two eyelets, securably mounts the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear
view mirror assembly with a non-mirror reflective support member of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide two
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assemblies including two
non-circular, convex mirror bodies, two mounting brackets, each mounting
bracket to receive a respective convex mirror body and two respective
mounting apparatuses, working in combination, wherein a first auxiliary
rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted on
a support member located between the reflective mirror surface of a
factory-mounted side view mirror and the exterior surface of the vehicle
on the driver's side of the vehicle, in the absence of contacting or
obstructing the reflective mirror surface of the driver's side
factory-mounted side view mirror, and a second auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted on a support member
located between the reflective mirror surface of a factory-mounted side
view mirror and the exterior surface of the vehicle on the passenger's
side of the vehicle, in the absence of contacting or obstructing the
reflective mirror surface of the passenger's side factory-mounted side
view mirror, wherein the combination of the first and second
non-obstructive auxiliary rear view mirror assemblies and respective,
mounting apparatuses, generally provide a full view of the vehicle's blind
spot, on both sides of the vehicle, in the absence of obstructing or
otherwise adversely impacting the reflective mirror surface of any
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly including a non-circular, convex
mirror body, a mounting bracket to receive the convex mirror body and a
mounting apparatus, which generally provide a full view of the vehicle's
blind spot, in the absence of contact with or obstruction of the
reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, wherein the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus may be mounted to a non-mirror reflective support member of a
collapsible factory-mounted side view mirror assembly in such a manner
that the collapsing of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly does
not damage the reflective mirror surface of the non-circular convex
mirror, nor any portion of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
Other improvements of the present invention will become readily apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein
the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described
and the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention is disclosed.
As will be realized, the invention is capable of different embodiments,
and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects,
all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions thereof are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings which are incorporated into and constitute a part
of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention
and together with the general description of the invention given above and
the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to
explain the principals of the invention.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly, made the subject of the present
invention.
FIG. 1B is a front view of the first alternate embodiment non-obstructive,
non-circular, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 1C is a front view of the second alternate embodiment non-obstructive,
non-circular, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 1D is a front view of the third alternate embodiment non-obstructive,
non-circular, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 1E is a front view of the fourth alternate embodiment non-obstructive,
non-circular, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 1F is a front view of the fifth alternate embodiment non-obstructive,
non-circular, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 2A is an exploded, end view of the preferred embodiment
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly.
FIG. 2B is a front view of the preferred embodiment non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly, illustrating the overlapping
alignment of the outer peripheral edge of the reflective mirror surface of
the mirror body and the inner peripheral edge of the mounting bracket.
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B.
FIG. 2D is a front view of the preferred embodiment non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly, illustrating a removable protective
coating applied to the reflective mirror surface.
FIG. 2E is a rear view of the preferred embodiment non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a driver's side, factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly, as viewed by a driver positioned within a vehicle.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a driver's side, factory-mounted side view
mirror assembly and the present invention mounted to a support member of
the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a passenger's side, factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly and the present invention mounted to a support member
of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
FIG. 4C is a top, partially cut-away view of the driver and vehicle,
illustrating the driver's field of vision and view through the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and through the present
invention.
FIG. 4D is side view of the vehicle, illustrating the driver's view through
the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and through the present
invention.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the driver's side, factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly, wherein the present invention is mounted to a
support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly.
FIG. 5B is a top view of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a top view of a collapsible factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly in its partially collapsed position, with the present invention
mounted to a support member of the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment
factorymounted side view mirror assembly.
FIG. 6B is a top view of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment
non-obstructive, mounting bracket alternatively used to mount the present
invention to the first alternate embodiment factory-mounted side view
mirror, shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7B is a front view of the first side of the first alternate embodiment
non-obstructive, mounting bracket of FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7C is a top view of the mounting bracket illustrated in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7D is a side view of the tie straps used to secure the first alternate
embodiment mounting bracket shown in FIG. 7A to the first alternate
embodiment factory-mounted side view mirror assembly shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the first alternate embodiment
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly in combination with
the first alternate embodiment, non-obstructive, mounting apparatus, in
mounting engagement with the first alternate embodiment factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly with the non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and first alternate embodiment
mounting apparatus, mounted to a non-mirror reflective, support member of
the first alternate embodiment factory-mounted side view mirror apparatus.
The above general description and the following detailed description are
merely illustrative of the generic invention and additional modes,
advantages and particulars will be readily suggested to those skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like
numerals, FIG. 1A illustrates the present invention, a preferred
embodiment non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and
mounting apparatus (not shown) 10. The preferred embodiment 10 generally
includes a non-circular mirror body 12, having an outwardly protruding
convex reflective mirror surface 13 and a corresponding non-obstructive
mirror body mounting bracket 14 to retain and secure the mirror body 12.
The convex mirror body 12 and the mounting bracket 14 may preferably be
constructed of plastic and other light weight, inexpensive material. The
non-circular, convex mirror body 12 generally includes a longer, vertical
or X axis X as compared to a shorter, horizontal or Y axis Y, thus
generally providing a non-circular character to the mirror body 12, which
is important in overcoming the providing a full view of the vehicle's
blind spot (not shown). Although the present preferred embodiment mirror
body 12 may be described as being non-circular or trapezium-shaped, FIGS.
1B-1F illustrate numerous alternate embodiment, non-circular, convex
mirror body configurations 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, including a
parallelogram-shaped auxiliary convex mirror body 16 as shown in FIG. 1B,
a trapezoid-shaped auxiliary convex mirror body 18 as shown in FIG. 1C, a
marquis-shaped auxiliary convex mirror body 20 as shown in FIG. 1D, a
oval-shaped auxiliary convex mirror body 22 as shown in FIG. 1E, and a
pear-shaped auxiliary convex mirror body 24 as shown in FIG. 1E.
As depicted in FIG. 2A the convex mirror body 12 is received within the
mirror body mounting bracket 14. The mirror body mounting bracket 14
includes a planar back portion 36 and an open front portion 25 with a
curled edge 26 continuous along its outer periphery 28. The outer
peripheral edge 30 of the mirror body 12 is received by the open front
portion 25, by insertion of the peripheral edge 30 into the curled edge 26
of the mounting bracket 14. As seen in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the outer
peripheral edge 30 of the mirror body 12 is minimally overlapped by an
inner lip 32 of the curled edge 26 of the mounting bracket 14, to retain
the mirror body 12. The curled edge 26 generally has a slightly larger
circumference as compared to the circumference of the convex mirror body
12, in addition to the curled edge 26 being spring biased to receive and
retain the convex mirror body 12. As depicted in FIG. 2D, the mirror body
12 may also include a removable, sheet-like coating 34 which protects the
reflective convex mirror surface 13 during handling, packaging and
shipping. In FIG. 2E the rear side 36 of the mounting bracket 14 is
illustrated. The mounting apparatus of the present invention 10 may
preferably include, but is not limited to a pressure sensitive, double
sided adhesive strip 38, affixed to the back portion 36 of the mounting
bracket 14. The adhesive strip 38 is substantial in size as compared to
the back portion 36 of the mounting bracket 14 and accordingly, provides
for a secure and strong attachment of the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear
view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10. The adhesive strip 38 may
preferably be comprised of a sheet-like, flexible material 40 having a
first side 42 and a second side 44. A layer of adhesive 46 is applied to
both sides 42, 44 of the sheet-like, flexible material 40. With the
adhesive layers 46 in place, the first side 42 of the sheet-like, flexible
material 40 is then attached to the rear side 36 of the mounting bracket
14. A removable adhesive covering 48 is attached to the second side 44 of
the foam sheet 40 until the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is to be permanently mounted.
Additionally, there are at least four partially perforated or "punch out"
eyelets 50 which can easily be removed to accommodate an alternate
embodiment mounting bracket (not shown).
FIG. 3 illustrates a factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52. The
mirror assembly 52 may, for example, include a reflective mirror housing
54, a reflective mirror surface 56 retained and secured within the housing
54, a mounting support member 58 engaged to the housing 54, and a mounting
bracket 60 in operative engagement to the support member 58 for mounting
the assembly 52 to a vehicle (not shown). The mirror assembly 52
illustrated in FIG. 3 may, for example, be compatible with various
factory-mounted side view mirror assemblies found on trucks, vans, mini
vans, passenger vehicles, etc. manufactured by General Motors from
1991-present. The present invention non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view
mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10 can be used with a variety of
different manufacturer's factory-mounted side view mirror assemblies (not
shown) and is in no way restricted to the mirror assembly 52 illustrated
in FIG. 3.
FIGS. 4A illustrates the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52, as
it might be mounted to the driver's side of a vehicle 62. FIG. 4A also
illustrates the mounting of the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view
mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10 on the non-mirror reflective
support member 58 of the mirror assembly 52, located between the
reflective mirror surface 56 and an exterior surface 64 of the vehicle 62.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is preferably mounted to the support
member 58 via the adhesive strip 38, wherein the support member 58 is
located between the reflective mirror surface 56 of the factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly 52 and the exterior surface of the vehicle 64 in
the absence of obstruction of or contact with the reflective mirror
surface 56 of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52. Structure
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4A, is similarly numbered in FIG. 4B.
As depicted in FIG. 4C, a first view S.sub.1 into the factory-mounted side
view mirror 56 as viewed by a driver 66 of the vehicle 54 looking through
the reflective mirror 56 of factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52,
is shown. As illustrated, the driver 66 has a restricted horizontal field
of vision H.sub.1 through the reflective mirror surface 56 and generally
has no visual access to the blind spot which is generally included in
horizontal field of vision H.sub.2. The horizontal field of vision H.sub.2
is however visible by the driver 66 by looking into the non-obstructive,
auxiliary rear view mirror assembly 10 as illustrated in a second field of
vision S.sub.2. As illustrated, the first field of vision S.sub.1 and the
second field of vision S.sub.2 do not overlap or otherwise converge upon
each other.
With reference to FIGS. 1A, 4C and 4D, the present invention generally
provides a full view H.sub.2 of the blind spot generally included in the
horizontal field of vision H.sub.2 in the absence of contact with or
obstruction of the reflective mirror surface 56 of the factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly 52. The non-circular, convex mirror body 12 of
the present invention directs the driver's 66 view S.sub.2 to the blind
spot generally included in the horizontal field of vision H.sub.2 of the
vehicle 62, by providing a non-obstructive, non-circular, auxiliary convex
mirror 12 with a substantially longer vertical X axis X, as compared to a
substantially shorter horizontal Y axis Y. The longer X axis X of the
non-obstructive, convex mirror body 12 generally provides the driver 66
with a full view S.sub.2, V.sub.4, H.sub.2 to the enlarged horizontal
field of vision H.sub.2 which generally includes the blind spot, and may
also include a view of the adjacent lanes of traffic T located in the
horizontal field of view H.sub.2 beginning at the position of the driver
66 and extending well past the vehicle's back bumper 68, as well as the
upper, side portion V.sub.2 of the vehicle 62, the middle, side portion
V.sub.1 of the vehicle 62, and the lower, side portion V.sub.3 of the
vehicle 62, without interfering, mounting anything thereon, or obstructing
the driver's 66 view S.sub.1 through the reflective mirror surface 56 of
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52.
FIG. 5A depicts a front view of the auxiliary non-obstructive, convex
mirror 10 mounted to the support member 58 of the factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly 52. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is preferably mounted to the support
member 58 of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52 in such a
manner that no portion of the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is exposed laterally outboard of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52, in the absence of
obstructing or contacting any portion of the reflective mirror surface 56
of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52. By mounting the
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus 10 wholly laterally inboard of the factory-mounted side view
mirror apparatus 52, no portion of the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear
view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is exposed to oncoming
wind, airborne road debris or other substances (not shown) to which the
front surface of the vehicle 62 may otherwise be exposed. FIG. 5B depicts
a top view of the auxiliary non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror
assembly and mounting apparatus 10 mounted to the support member 58 of the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52, as illustrated in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of the auxiliary non-obstructive, auxiliary
rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10 mounted to the support
member 58 of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52, wherein the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52 is in a collapsible or
folding engagement to the mounting bracket 60 which secures the
factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52 to the vehicle 62. The
mounting bracket 60 includes a vehicle mounting surface 70 which attaches
to the respective exterior surface 64 of the vehicle 62, as shown in FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B. Opposite to the vehicle mounting surface 70, is a concave
receiving surface 72 which corresponds matingly to a convex surface 74 of
the support member 58. As the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52
rotates with respect to the mounting bracket 60, as shown in FIG. 5C, the
non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus 10 is protectively received within the concave receiving surface
72 of the mounting bracket 60. Should the factory-mounted side view mirror
assembly 52 encounter excessive wind forces, airborne road debris and
unintentional contact with various objects (not shown), it is intended
that the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52 be passive in
response to such forces and fold inward toward the vehicle 62 to protect
generally the reflective mirror surface 56 of the factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly 52 and the auxiliary non-obstructive, auxiliary rear
view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10. Moreover, the mounting of
the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting
apparatus 10 on the support member 58 of the factory-mounted side view
mirror assembly 52, wherein the non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view
mirror assembly and mounting apparatus 10 is not exposed above, below or
to the side of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 52 generally
avoids many of the deficiencies of the known devices (not shown) which may
require precarious or unstable mounting and exposure below, above and to
the side of the factory-mounted mirror assembly 52.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a first alternate embodiment factory-mounted
side view mirror assembly 80. Structure similar to that illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5C is similarly numbered in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The first alternate
embodiment factory-mounted side view mirror assembly 80, generally
includes a reflective mirror surface 56, a mirror housing 54 within which
the reflective mirror surface 56 is retained and secured and a first
alternate embodiment support member 82. The first alternate embodiment
support member 82 is pivotally retained within a first embodiment mounting
bracket 84 attached to the exterior surface 64 of the vehicle 62. A first
alternate embodiment mounting apparatus 86 as illustrated in FIG. 7A. The
first alternate embodiment mounting apparatus 86 includes an elongated
body or member 87 having a first planar surface 88 for mounting to the
back portion 36 of the mounting bracket 14, and may be comprised of rubber
or polymer material. The elongated body 87 also has a concave second
surface 90 for engagement to the first embodiment support member 82. As
illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the first embodiment mounting apparatus 86
also preferably includes a plurality of snap pins 92 integrally formed in
the first planar surface 88 and extending outwardly from, the first planar
surface 88, said snap pins 92 being designed for engagement with and
insertion through the eyelets 50 formed in the back portion 36 of the
mounting bracket 14. The snap pins 92 may preferably include barbed ends
94 formed on the distal ends of the snap pins 92 for connective attachment
within the eyelets 50 in the rear side 36 of the mounting bracket 14. The
first embodiment mounting apparatus 86 also may preferably include a
plurality of longitudinally positioned eyelets 51 disposed through the
axial ends 96, 98 and extending the length of the elongated body 87, as
depicted in FIGS. 7A and 8. As shown in FIG. 7D, one or more tie straps
100 may used to mount the first alternate embodiment mounting apparatus 86
to the first alternate embodiment support member 82. At least one tie
strap 100 is first inserted through a longitudinal eyelet 51 in an end 98
of the first embodiment mounting apparatus 86, which is affixed to the
back portion 36 of the mounting bracket 14, and is then wrapped around the
first embodiment support member 82 and subsequently secured tightly at the
second end 96 of the first embodiment mounting apparatus 86, thereby
frictionally gripping the first alternate embodiment support member 82
therein. The arrangement of the non-obstructive, convex mirror body 12,
mounting bracket 14 and first alternate embodiment mounting apparatus 86,
including one or more tie straps 100 and first alternate embodiment
support member 82 is illustrated in FIG. 8, as seen from the rear view of
the mirror housing 54 and as seen from the front view of the reflective
mirror surface 56 of the first alternate embodiment factory-mounted side
view mirror assembly 80 in FIG. 9.
The foregoing description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory
thereof. Various changes in the materials, apparatus, and particular parts
employed will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that
all such variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims be
embraced thereby.
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